Based on your reading, what are the characteristics of Essential Questions?

Characteristics of Essential Questions

• They :– are broad in nature.

– are central to the content of the unit or subject.

– have no single correct or obvious answer.

– invite higher-order thinking, including analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating.

– provoke student interest and allow students to draw from experience.

How do Essential Questions differ from high-level, open-ended

questions?

Essential Questions often have a moral component.

They focus on challenging “big issues” that confront society.

Can you identify Essential Questions?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

How many apples does it take to fill a bushel basket?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What determines whether a location is a great place for a vacation or not?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What are three major battles of the Civil War?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

Should schools have dress codes for students? Why?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What is the tallest mountain peak in North America?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What's the best cafeteria lunch?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

How many species of octopi are there?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

Are insects an essential part of our global ecosystem?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

Should US Citizens be tagged by computer chip to help ensure homeland security?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

Is the cloning of human beings acceptable?

Essential or Open or…? Why?

What is the capital of Nebraska?